Commercial Windows & Doors

Healthy Gains in Construction Activity Forecast for Office, Retail, and Other Commercial Buildings with Intensive Window and Door Use

Suppliers are expected to benefit from a number of key trends, including healthy increases in construction spending for office, retail, lodging, and institutional buildings – the most intensive users of windows and doors. Other factors supporting market gains include a pickup in general commercial improvement and repair activity, and spending to expand and/or update properties with contemporary designs, increase daylighting, and upgrade to more secure and efficient window and door systems that meet stricter green building codes.

Key Findings in the Commercial Windows & Doors Study:

Metal Windows and Doors Continue to Dominate Sales but Plastic Sees Fastest Growth

Metal is the material of choice for most commercial door and window frames, as it is highly resistant to damage and requires minimal, if any, maintenance. These performance advantages are critical for buildings such as factories and warehouse loading docks, as well as offices, schools, and hospitals, where frequent maintenance and repair projects can interfere with the functioning of the establishment.

While metal products continue to lead total sales, vinyl and fiberglass windows and doors are expected to see the fastest sales gains as builders and property owners increasingly recognize their aesthetic, performance, and cost benefits. In particular, fiberglass windows and doors are seeing strong sales increases, as these products can exhibit strength and durability on par with metal types.

Builders Seek Energy-Efficient, Aesthetically Pleasing, and Easy-to-Operate Windows and Doors

The best growth opportunities are for commercial window and door products that help boost energy efficiency, improve security, and enhance accessibility. Products with larger glazing areas – such as curtain walls and storefronts – are increasingly popular due to their ability to improve interior daylighting and impart a more modern aesthetic to the building exterior. The use of low-emissivity coatings and other glazing technologies are enabling the use of larger glazing areas without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Commercial Window and Door Suppliers Expand Market Presence Through Acquisitions

Leading commercial window and door suppliers are completing acquisitions to expand their offerings and market reach. ASSA ABLOY, for instance, agreed in May 2018 to acquire Pioneer Industries, a manufacturer of hollow steel doors owned by Security Holdings. ASSA ABLOY has engaged in significant acquisition activity since 2016, purchasing a number of commercial door distributors and installers. Other important acquisitions include Apogee Enterprises’ purchase of EFCO – a major supplier of curtain wall, storefronts, and similar products – from Pella in June 2017.

Study Coverage

This study presents historical demand data (2007, 2012, and 2017) and forecasts for 2022 by material (metal, plastic, wood), market (new commercial, commercial replacement), product (windows, doors, other window & door products & replacement components), and geographic region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West). The study also evaluates company market share and provides analysis on industry leaders, including Andersen, Apogee Enterprises, ASSA ABLOY, CRH, Kawneer (Arconic), and Sanwa Holdings.